Cumberland County graduation parade highlights Cape Fear High School student's resilience

Jun. 21—Leianna Smith, a Cape Fear High School senior, wasn't able to attend her graduation, but that didn't stop 750 vehicles from blocking traffic to congratulate her.

Leianna's mother, Terry Cavalier, hosted a parade May 30 for her daughter who has autism and down syndrome. Leianna could not attend her graduation ceremony due to sensory-overload concerns.

"As a mom, it's just frustrating to see your child get overlooked for goals that other people get celebrated for," Cavalier, a Cape Fear High School graduate herself, said.

Last year on Leianna's 19th birthday, Cavalier held a drive-by party for her. Though she promoted it on her Facebook page for a month, only five cars drove by the house, she said.

Although that attempt was unsuccessful, it didn't discourage Cavalier from trying again.

"I took to Facebook and I was like, you know, Leianna is just as important as anyone else," she said. "I just wanted this one thing for her."

At first, Cavalier said, there weren't a lot of people responding, but after taking a friend's advice and praying, the support came flooding in.

Cavalier, who struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism but has been sober for nearly 16 years, said she believes that God gave her Leianna to change her into a better person.

One of the people Cavalier invited to the graduation parade was Ishanti Bulla, Leianna's teacher.

Bulla, who has been teaching students with disabilities for 15 years, said hundreds of balloons, cards and handmade posters were given to Leianna during the parade.

Cavalier said the event was special.

"Of course, I cried — a lot," she said

Bulla said that Lieanna is a happy-go-lucky, jolly child with a loving family.

"She's a typical teenager," she said.

Bulla said she became a teacher for students with disabilities because it's her "passion." She said she believes every child has the ability to learn.

"I wanted to make a difference in their lives," Bulla said. "They are just like everyone else — and I wanted to prove that."

Cavalier said she wanted to bring awareness to students with disabilities in Cumberland County Schools.

"People should be celebrated and treated fairly," she said.

Cavalier said the parade was about Leianna, but was also about bringing the community together after a difficult year.

Leianna's teacher, who also graduated from Cape Fear High School, said she wasn't surprised at the overwhelming amount of support from the community.

"They always show up and show out," she said.

Health and education writer Ariana-Jasmine Castrellon can be reached at acastrellon@gannett.com or 910-486-3561.

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